Tanzania coffee production set for record growth in 2026-27
Tanzania’s coffee production is projected to rise for a third consecutive year as favorable weather, improved seedlings and strong global prices continue to support sector growth.
TANZANIA – Tanzania’s coffee sector is expected to record another strong harvest in the 2026-27 season, supported by favorable weather conditions, rising global coffee prices and expanding cultivation across key growing regions.
According to a report released on May 18 by the United States Department of Agriculture, Tanzania is projected to produce 1.6 million bags of coffee, equivalent to approximately 96,000 tonnes, during the upcoming season.
If achieved, the forecast would represent a 10.3% increase from the previous season and mark the third consecutive year of production growth for the East African coffee-producing nation.
The USDA attributed the expected increase to improved weather conditions, strong international coffee prices and new coffee plantations entering production. Harvested area is forecast to expand by 5,000 hectares to reach 270,000 hectares during the 2026-27 season.
The report also noted that stable prices have strengthened coffee cooperatives, enabling them to expand farmer support programmes and training initiatives. Favorable rainfall and stable temperatures have further improved growing conditions, supported recovery from previous droughts and increased crop yields.
Alongside higher production, Tanzania is also expected to increase coffee exports. The USDA forecasts exports at 1.41 million bags, or about 86,400 tonnes, in the 2026-27 season, representing a 3% increase from the previous campaign.
Tanzania produces nearly equal quantities of arabica and robusta coffee, providing the country with balanced exposure across both major segments of the global coffee market.
According to data from Tanzania’s National Bureau of Statistics, coffee export earnings more than doubled over the past five years, rising from 331.5 billion shillings (US$126.8 million) in 2020 to 759.5 billion shillings (US$290.6 million) in 2024.
Meanwhile, the Tanzania Coffee Board has intensified efforts to boost production through the distribution of improved seedlings to farmers nationwide.
Chairperson Aurelia Kamuzora said the board distributed between 20 million and 22 million improved coffee seedlings during the current season and plans to increase production to 30 million seedlings in the 2026-27 financial year.
“The production of improved seedlings will continue increasing to help farmers raise productivity and improve the quality of Tanzanian coffee in the international market,” Prof Kamuzora said during a tour of coffee projects in Kagera Region.
The delegation also visited the AMIMZA coffee processing factory in Bukoba as part of a broader campaign to encourage coffee farming and promote internationally competitive coffee production.
Prof Kamuzora said the government remains committed to implementing strategies aimed at increasing farmers’ incomes and supporting economic growth through the coffee sector.
Kagera regional manager for the Tanzania Coffee Board, Edmond Zani, said the region distributed 13 million seedlings during the previous farming season.
He added that Kagera produces between 50,000 and 80,000 tonnes of coffee annually, making it one of Tanzania’s leading coffee-producing regions.
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